AI & Data Lead

Victorian Government; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Government is seeking an AI & Data Lead in Melbourne to shape and deliver data and AI capability within the SADE branch of ISD. You will provide technical leadership across enterprise data, analytics and AI platforms, guiding governance, security and compliance while aligning with departmental objectives.

You will translate business needs into scalable AI and data solutions, supervise BAU integration, and mentor teams in Agile environments.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding and practical application of AI & data governance principles, risk, compliance, development of frameworks, standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrated hand on experience in AI/ML solution implementation and strong technical proficiency with Copilot Studio, AI Foundry, Microsoft Purview and a strong ability to swiftly grasp and adopt new technologies.
• Proven experience with Microsoft Fabric, designing and implementing data solutions, data modelling, including conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
• Experience in management, administration and utilisation of the Power BI and a strong understanding of their role in supporting the departments data visualisation and reporting capabilities.
• Proven track record in contributing to development and execution of strategic data initiatives and supporting the implementation of data roadmap, ensuring alignment to departments objectives.
• Formal tertiary qualifications in Information Technology or related IT discipline
• Experience working in across functional agile environment
• Knowledge of ITIL processes

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and expertise to support the effective use of data and AI, identify opportunities to enhance business processes.
• Assist in embedding new capabilities into BAU operations and contribute to the technical development, delivery, support and ongoing improvements of AI & data technologies.
• Lead governance, security and compliance across AI and data platforms, ensuring alignment with departmental objectives.
• Support the development and execution of the data roadmap and strategic data initiatives.

Skills

AI governance

AI/ML implementation

Copilot Studio

AI Foundry

Microsoft Purview

Power BI

Data modelling

Data architecture

Agile experience

ITIL knowledge

Education

Formal IT qualification

Tools

Microsoft Fabric

Power BI

Microsoft Purview

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 2093

The AI & Data Lead is a key role within the Strategy, Architecture and Digital Enablement (SADE) branch of the Information Services Division (ISD), responsible for shaping and delivering the department’s data and AI capability.

The role brings a strong technical and customer focused leadership across enterprise data, analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms. It contributes to the planning, development and operationalisation of AI and data initiatives, including Generative AI and agent based capabilities, enable trusted data services and support the analytical reporting platform with a strong emphasis on governance, security and compliance.

The role provides technical advice and expertise to support the effective use of data and AI, identifies opportunities to enhance business processes. It assists in embedding new capabilities into BAU operations and contributes to the technical development, delivery, support and ongoing improvements of AI & data technologies.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Strong understanding and practical application of AI & data governance principles, risk, compliance, development of frameworks, standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrated hand on experience in AI/ML solution implementation and strong technical proficiency with Copilot Studio, AI Foundry, Microsoft Purview and a strong ability to swiftly grasp and adopt new technologies.
• Proven experience with Microsoft Fabric, designing and implementing data solutions, data modelling, including conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
• Experience in management, administration and utilisation of the Power BI and a strong understanding of their role in supporting the departments data visualisation and reporting capabilities.
• Proven track record in contributing to development and execution of strategic data initiatives and supporting the implementation of data roadmap, ensuring alignment to departments objectives.
• Formal tertiary qualifications in Information Technology or related IT discipline
• Experience working in across functional agile environment
• Knowledge of ITIL processes

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact [e-mail] .

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.

Applications close Thursday 22 October 2026 at 11.59pm